2026
Deep segmentation of space debris streaks in wide-field telescope archives
Sameh Lahouar
Semester ProjectReducing false positives in wide-field astronomical streak detection using a lightweight CNN classifier
Fiszbin V., Rachith E., Price A., Hellmich S., Salzmann M.
Conference Paper: SPAICE 2026RFI Matcher: A tool to associate radio astronomy observations with satellite overflight information
Danylovych R., Finlay C., Hellmich S., Tolley E.
Journal paper: Astronomy and ComputingAI application to artificial satellite identification in CHEOPS data: Scanning the CHEOPS image archive with a neural network
García-Martín P. , Gonçalves L., Hellmich S., Billot N., Merín B.
Journal paper: Astronomy & AstrophysicsBridging Academia and Industry: A Comparative Analysis of Systems Engineering Implementation in Student Space Projects
David E., Bonvin M.
Conference Paper: 5th Symposium on Space Educational ActivitiesSpace surveillance as a by-product of space-based astronomical observations with CHEOPS
Billot N., Hellmich S., Benz W.
Contributed Paper: Proceedings of the International Astronomical UnionDetermine the optical Brightness of Amazon’s Kuiper Constellation satellites
Mia Molineris
Semester ProjectRefinement of space debris detections in large field-of-view telescope archives
Vincent Fiszbin
Semester ProjectSupport Radio Astronomy with Important Information for Satellite RFI mitigation
Roman Danylovych
Semester ProjectDetection of Space Objects observed with the Dark Energy Camera
Morris von Winckelmann
Semester ProjectDeveloping Closed-Loop Telescope Control Software for TELESTO Telescope
Charles Proffit
Semester ProjectFastPose-ViT: A Vision Transformer for Real-Time Spacecraft Pose Estimation
Ancey P., Price A., Javed S., Salzmann M.
Conference Proceedings: WACVSpace Sustainability Considerations in Investment Decisions Using the Environment-Vulnerability-Decision-Technology Framework
Sebastian Bélanger Villanueva
Master ThesisModeling of Propellant Feed and Combustion Chamber for Liquid Rocket Engines
Ryan Svoboda
Semester ProjectLCA in early space systems engineering
Bron Ward
Master ThesisExploration of Machine Learning applications for Life Cycle Assessment integration in early space mission eco-design.
Fabio Nureconda
Master Thesis
2025
Leveraging Astronomical Surveys for Space Debris Detection and Characterization: Application to VST/OmegaCAM
Rachith E., Hellmich S., Kneib J.-P.
Conference Paper: Proceedings of the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance (AMOS) Technologies ConferenceBrightness Characteristics of the Qianfan Satellites and Evidence That Some Are Tumbling
Mallama A., Richard C. E., Hellmich S., Spinner R., Warner J., Respler J.
IAU CPS paper: ArxivObject detector for spacecraft images
Amine Belghmi
Semester ProjectMachine Learning-Based Orbit Estimation from the Seeing Effect
Dofri Vidarsson
Semester ProjectModeling Faults in Spacecraft Imagery for Pose Estimation
Imane Jennane
Semester ProjectTiny satellites, big challenges: A feasibility study of machine vision pose estimation for PocketQubes during conjunctions
Sajjad N., Price A., Mirshams M., Salzmann M.
Journal Paper: Acta AstronauticaDevelopment of AOCS sensor models for future integration into MBSE tool
Sarah Marciniak
Master ThesisHandbook on sustainable design practices for space missions and the launch segment
Thibault Bardet
Semester ProjectThe Importance of Dark and Quiet Skies in Swiss Astronomy and the dialog with the space industry
David E., Hellmich S., Crichton C., Kneib J.-P.
Conference Paper: 9th European Conference on Space DebrisREACT Final Presentation - The Assessment and Comparison Tool (ACT), Simplified, spacespecific, prospective LCA
Udriot M., Verkammen M., Treyer K., Fischer J.-S., Bühler O., David E.
Presentation, class 1 - releasable to the public (ESA)SpaceMAKEr Environmental Sustainability Strategies
Udriot M.
HandbookInclusion d’une ACV dans la conception de missions spatiales : premières applications de l’outil ACT, développé au EPFL Space Center.
Verkamment M., Udriot M.
Conference presentation: MCV - Congrès Management du Cycle de Vie 2025Detecting Space Objects in the ESO VST Astronomical Data Archive and Extracting their Astrometry and Photometry
Hellmich S., Rachith E., Kneib J.-P.
Conference paper: 11th European Conference for Aeronautics and AeroSpace Sciences (EUCASS)Orbit fitting of satellites crossing the entire field of view
Adrien Cadet
Semester projectThe Assessment and Comparison Tool (ACT) – simplified, space-specific, prospective LCA
Marnix Verkammen, Mathieu Udriot
Conference presentation - Ecodesign Days 2025Flatsat for the EPFL Spacecraft Team
Ramon Heeb
Semester projectMission Analysis and Feasibility Study for the Recovery System of a Suborbital Rocket
Ryan Svoboda
Semester projectPreliminary assessment of pre-launch operations and logistics for a suborbital vehicle
Matthieu Tonneau
Semester projectProject PrOXISS - Proximity Operation eXperiment on the International Space Station Feasibility Study for Uncooperative Object Capture in Microgravity
Clara Gloge, Aubin Mercier
Semester projectDetection and Characterization of Space Debris Using VST/OmegaCAM Archival Data
Rachith E., Hellmich S., Kneib J.-P.
Conference paper: 9th European Conference on Space DebrisLeveraging light-curve inversion for kinematic state estimation of uncooperative targets
Renis F., Price A. L., Battipede M., Hellmich S., Salzmann M.
Conference paper: 9th European Conference on Space DebrisOrbit fitting of satellites that cross the entire field of view
Sarah Marciniak
Semester projectA method for asteroid detection using convolutional neural networks on VST images
Irureta-Goyena B. Y., Rachith E., Hellmich S., Kneib J.-P., Altieri B., Lemon C., Saifollahi T., Hainaut O., Freudling W., Dux F., Micheli M., Ocaña F., Ramírez-Moreta P., Courbin F., Conversi L., Millon M., Verdoes Kleijn G., Salzmann M.
Journal paperSpace-based surveillance of Resident Space Objects with the CHEOPS space telescope
Gonçalves Luís Filipe Pino, Billot Nicolas, Hellmich Stephan, Barbosa Domingos, Coelho Bruno, Correia Alexandre C. M., Fortier Andrea ; Broeg Christopher, Bekkelien Anja, Ehrenreich David ; Merin Bruno, Günther Maximilian, Heitzmann Alexis, Benz Willy
Journal paperSpectral Rendering of Space Objects
Julie Renard
Semester projectEnabling the Geneva Observatory for space debris observations
William Martin
Semester projectSustainable missions to the Moon - Sustainable ISRU and Human Development on the Moon
Jérôme Mayolet
Semester projectSwiss Space Sustainability Research Days 2025: Outcomes and Strategic Roadmap
Emmanuelle David, Merve Erdem Burger, Chris Finnlay, Benjamin Guyot, Stephan Hellmich, Lucia Kleint, Andreas Losch, Deborah Mueller, Clemence Poirier, Karin Treyer, Mathieu Udriot, Marnix Verkammen
Conference: 11th European Conference for Aeronautics and AeroSpace Sciences (EUCASS)Space sustainability in systems engineering and design processes - Industry overview and case study at EPFL
Mathieu Udriot, Marnix Verkammen, Martin Lemaire, Emmanuelle David
Conference: 11th European Conference for Aeronautics and AeroSpace Sciences (EUCASS)Approaches to Mitigate Sustainability Risks for Long-Term Lunar Developments
Jérôme Mayolet
Semester project AnnexSustainability in Space Systems Engineering
Martin Lemaire
Semester projectFoundations for a Digital Twin of the CHESS CubeSat
Mathilde Simoni
Semester projectMeasurement methods for FireHorn I exhaust emissions during horizontal propulsion test
Haroun Naina
Semester projectSpaceshot Project MBSE
Fuser Michaël, Marchand Truchot Antoine
Semester projectMachine Learning-Based Orbit Estimation from the Seeing Effect
Gunnar Dofri Vidarsson
Semester projectWorkshop Outcomes Summary Paper - Space Sustainability: Bridging Initiatives and Perspectives
Christensen, Ian, Secure World Foundation; David, Emmanuelle, EPFL Space Center; Rabitz, Florian, Kaunas University of Technology; Schmied, Johannes, Nord University; Yap, Xiao-Shan, Utrecht University
Workshop proceedings
2024
In-situ observations of resident space objects with the CHEOPS space telescope
Billot Nicolas, Hellmich Stephan, Benz Willy
Journal: Journal of Space Safety EngineeringPathway for Closing the Knowledge Gaps for a Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment and Ecodesign of Space Transportation Systemsation Systems
Fischer, Jan-Steffen, Fasoulas Stefanos, Bergm,ann Nathalie, Ott Antoinette, Pinto Vera, Udriot, Mathieu, Schulz, Leonard, Maddock Christie, Wilken Jascha
Whitepaper / position paperREACT Announcement of Opportunity
Prepared by: Mathieu Udriot, Marnix Verkammen, Karin Treyer, Jan-Steffen Fischer
Approved by: Prof. Jean-Paul Kneib, Emmanuelle DavidESG and CSR in Space
Gloria Mellinand
Semester projectTechnology Roadmapping For A Suborbital Rocket With Multidisciplinary Design Optimisation
Martin Lemaire, Ryan Svoboda
Semester ProjectSpace Logistics Optimization - Python Software Development - Interplanetary Scenario Infrastructure
Oliver Pineda
Semester ProjectSustainable Space Logistics - Design of an On-Orbit Refuelling Infrastructure
Hannah Besser
Master thesisSpace Debris Mitigation Guidelines for Lunar Orbits
Tommaso Turchetto, Paolo Guardabasso, Mathieu Udriot, Adrien Saada
Sustainable missions to the Moon - Sustainability guidelines for lunar activities, a state-of-the-Art
Tommaso Turchetto
Master thesisRecommendations for the development of space systems life cycle assessment methodology for space transportation systems
Fischer, Jan-Steffen, Udriot, Mathieu, Treyer, Karin, Schulz, Leonard, Dominguez Calabuig, Guillermo Joaquin
Results of the 2nd Workshop on Life Cycle Assessment of Space Transportation SystemsStreamlining Life Cycle Assessment Framework for Space Missions at Early Design Stages: Insights from the CHESS Cubesat Mission
Marnix Verkammen, Angelina Frolova, Antonio Zecchin, Lina Kuhlmann
Conference: 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Milano, ItalyMeta-study of current proposed life cycle assessment single-score methodologies for space missions' eco-design
Marnix Verkammen, Andrew Wilson, Enrico Tormena, Tommaso Turchetto, Adrien Saada
Conference: 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Milano, ItalySustainability of end-to-end space transportation missions: Modelling technical and environmental aspects for early phases ecodesign decision support
Mathieu Udriot, Karin Treyer, Jan-Steffen Fischer, Marnix Verkammen, Valère Girardin, Erika Wolf, Alice de Oliveira, Annafederica Urbano, Emmanuelle David
Conference: 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Milano, ItalyThe Assessment and Comparison Tool - Status and next steps for the simplified, space-specific, prospective LCA tool
Mathieu Udriot, Emmanuelle David
Conference: Cleanspace Industry Days 2024Optimization of GEO Satellites On-Orbit Refuelling for Sustainable Space Logistics
Hannah Besser
Conference: Cleanspace Industry Days 2024EPFL’s Handbook on sustainable practices for spacecraft mission design
Marnix Verkammen, Emmanuelle David
Conference: Cleanspace Industry Days 2024Screening life cycle assessment of families of future reusable launchers for early-stage ecodesign considerations in the VOLARE project
Mathieu Udriot, Blandine Quelennec
Conference: Cleanspace Industry Days 2024A lunar reconnaissance drone for cooperative exploration and high-resolution mapping of extreme locations
R. Tonasso, D. Tataru, H. Rauch, V. Pozsgay, T. Pfeiffer, E. Uythoven, and D. Rodríguez-Martínez
Journal article: Acta Astronautica Volume 218, May 2024, Pages 1-17
2023
Passive Orbital Debris Detection from Low Earth Orbit: The CHEOPS Viewpoint after 3 Years of Operations
Rachith, E., Hellmich, S., Irureta-Goyena, B. Y.
Conference: 2nd Orbital Debris ConferenceA Novel Machine Learning Based Algorithm for Efficient Streak Detection
Rachith, E., Hellmich, S., Irureta-Goyena, B. Y.
Conference: 2nd Orbital Debris ConferenceSustainable missions to the Moon - Sustainability guidelines for lunar activities, a state-of-the-Art
Tommaso Turchetto
Master thesisSTReAKS: Synthetic sTreak Rendering for sAtellite Kinematics and Surveillance
Léonard Flückiger
Semester projectLaunch Vehicle Sustainability Rating Development
Dominik Gentner
Semester projectSpace Sustainability Rating: Impact On Radio Astronomical Observation
Koki Kimura
Semester projectSpace Sustainability Rating Impact on Optical Observations
L’Emira Emma Chehab
Semester projectDevelopment of a Dark Skies module for the Space Sustainability Rating
Vincent Python
Semester project“Dark and Quiet Skies” module development for Radio observations
Nicolas Bouron
Semester projectRapid Life Cycle Assessment Software for Future Space Systems’ Design - The Assessment and Comparison Tool
Mathieu Udriot, Karin Treyer, Emmanuelle David
Conference: Cleanspace Industry Days 2023A Consensus-Based Single-Score for Life Cycle Assessment of Space Missions
M. Verkammen
Conference: Cleanspace Industry Days 2023Utilization of a risk index to incentivize satellite operators to follow best practices for post mission disposal: the mission index module of the Space Sustainability Rating
Adrien Saada
Conference: Cleanspace Industry Days 2023Consensus-based single-score life cycle assessment for space missions
M. Verkammen
Master thesis: Delft University of TechnologyUnsustainabilities: A study on SUVs and Space Tourism and a research agenda for transition studies
J. Markard, P. Wells, X-S. Yap, H. van Lente
Journal article: Energy Research & Social Science, Volume 106, December 2023.Sustainable Space Hub at EPFL: a review of ongoing research projects
S. Hellmich, M. Udriot, E. David
Conference: Aerospace Europe Conference – 10TH EUCASS – 9TH CEAS - 2023Rapid Life Cycle Assessment Software for Future Space Transportation Vehicles’ Design
M. Udriot, K. Treyer, E. David, O. Buehler, L. Etesi, V. Girardin
Conference: Aerospace Europe Conference – 10TH EUCASS – 9TH CEAS - 2023A Consensus-Based Single-Score for Life Cycle Assessment of - Space Missions: Preliminary Results
M. Verkammen
Conference: Aerospace Europe Conference – 10TH EUCASS – 9TH CEAS - 2023Promoting responsible space practices: A primer on the Space Sustainability Rating
A. Saada
Conference: Aerospace Europe Conference – 10TH EUCASS – 9TH CEAS - 2023Harvesting large astronomical Data Archives for Space Debris Observations
S. Hellmich, E. Rachith, B. Y. I.-G. Chang, and J.-P. Kneib
Proceedings of the 2nd NEO and Debris Detection Conference, ESOC, DarmstadtTowards a pattern language for complex-mode mission concept generation
A-M. Rüede, M-A. Chavy-Macdonald, J-P. Kneib, and J. Huang.
Journal article: Acta Astronautica, Vol. 203, February 2023.
2022
Measures for an improved understanding of the environmental impacts of space transportation systems
Fischer, Jan-Steffen (contribution by Mathieu Udriot)
Results of the 1st Workshop on Life Cycle Assessment of Space Transportation SystemsGreen Space Logistics Project – A Software Tool for Rapid Assessment and Comparison of Space Transportation Vehicles' Environmental Impacts for Design Trade-Offs
Mathieu Udriot, Karin Treyer
Conference: Cleanspace Industry Days 2022Green Space Logistics Project – A Software Tool for Rapid Assessment and Comparison of Space Transportation Vehicles' Environmental Impacts for Design Trade-Offs
Mathieu Udriot, Karin Treyer
Conference: Cleanspace Industry Days 2022A Lunar Reconnaissance Drone Mission Concept for Mapping and Characterizing Polar Regions
V. Pozsgay, D. Rodríguez-Martínez, J-P. Kneib
Conference: Lunar Polar Volatiles ConferenceDevelopment of a launch vehicle sustainability rating
M.Udriot, E. David, J.-P. Kneib, A. Saada
Conference: 73rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Paris, FranceThe Space Sustainability Rating: An operational process incentivizing operators to implement sustainable design and operation practices
A. Saada, E. David, F. Micco, J.-P. Kneib, M. Udriot, et al.
73rd International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Paris, FranceResearch initiative sustainable space logistics: an overview on the work performed at EPFL from 2019 to 2021 in space logistics modelling and optimisation
M. Udriot, A.-M. Rüede, E. David, J.-P. Kneib
9ᵀᴴ EUROPEAN CONFERENCE FOR AERONAUTICS AND SPACE SCIENCES (EUCASS)Mechanical design of the optical unit and structural subsystem for a lunar camera
J. Moreau
Semester projectFeasibility analysis and preliminary design of a Lunar Reconnaissance Drone
V. Pozsgay
Master thesisFeasibility Study and Preliminary Design of a Lunar Reconnaissance Drone
T. Pfeiffer, E. Uythoven, D. Rodríguez-Martínez, J-P. Kneib, and H. Koizumi
Poster: LSIC Spring MeetingSpace Localisation
A.Zimmermann
Semester projectLunar Payload Design : Definition of a lunar camera payload system architecture
C. Vincent
Semester projectPreliminary Design of a Lunar Reconnaissance Drone
T. Pfeiffer & E. Uythoven
Semester projectPreliminary design of a radio antenna payload for a lunar far-side polar mission
V. Dor
Semester projectImplementation of a Space Sustainability Rating - Technical Officer
M. Udriot
Master thesis
2021
Polar rover mission: Preliminary concept study
H. Sprumont
Semester projectAssessment of the Compliance of Large Constellation Operators with Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines
A. Merkli
Master thesisA Pattern Language for Sustainable Space Mission Design
A-M. Rüede
Conference: Space for Sustainability Award